Mevacor (Lovastatin) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Mevacor

Statins (How They Work, Side Effects and Interactions) »

What are statins and how do they work?

Statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a class of drugs that reduce cholesterol in individuals who have dyslipidemia (abnormal fats in the blood) and thus are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia may involve an elevation of total cholesterol, a reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and/or triglycerides, or a reduction of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in blood. Statins work by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. This enzyme is called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase).

Cholesterol is described as a soft wax-like fatty substance that is found in the blood stream and in cells. It is important to note that cholesterol is a naturally existing substance in all individuals from birth and its presence is actually necessary for promoting an overall healthy body. About 75% of cholesterol is produced by the liver and oth...

Read the Statins (How They Work, Side Effects and Interactions) article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Patients should be advised about substances they should not take concomitantly with lovastatin and be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (see DRUG INTERACTIONS and WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis). Patients should also be advised to inform other physicians prescribing a new medication that they are taking MEVACOR (lovastatin) .

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.